Knighthawks hang on to beat Stealth 7-6

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester Knighthawks limited the Washington Stealth to their lowest point total of the season and got a little revenge while they were at it.

The struggling Knighthawks endured a Stealth comeback and held on for a 7-6 win, their first of the season in a defensive struggle on Saturday night.

Washington, which defeated Rochester 13-12 at home in the National Lacrosse League season-opener on Jan. 5, was down 5-2 with 6 minutes remaining in the third period when Stealth forward Rhys Duch scored from the left wing. The goal ended a 3-0 Rochester run and was the first for Washington since Mike Grimes scored a minute into the second quarter.

Two minutes into the fourth period, Grimes scored his second goal on a breakaway to even the score at 6-6. Kyle Sorensen and Chris O’Dougherty joined him on the break, with only Rochester goalkeeper Matt Vinc standing in the way.

“We just snuck in behind them, caught the Rochester guys ball-watching,” Grimes said about the play. “Just kind of a scrambled play, it just bounced to me in the open floor … and it went in the net for me.”

Rochester’s Johnny Powless scored the game-winner 10 minutes into the fourth period before Vinc saved a diving shot attempt in front of the goal by Athan Iannucci. The Knighthawks missed four shots in the final two minutes but picked up three straight loose balls to hold on for the win.

Stealth coach Chris Hall thought his defense performed well, but it was the offense that was lacking.